Philippines' Zest MA60 overshoots runway at Caticlan

A Xian Aircraft MA60 turboprop operated by Philippine carrier Zest Airways has overshot the runway while trying to land at Caticlan airport.

The China-made aircraft is stuck in a canal at the end of the runway and the airport will be closed until it has been removed, says Jose Saplan, chief of the aircraft accidents investigations board at the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

The incident took place around 08:00 and nobody was hurt in the accident, he added. Officials from Zest Airways were unavailable for comment. The aircraft has a local registration RP-C8992.

This is the second incident involving the airline and aircraft type. In January, a MA60 operated by Zest also crashed at Caticlan airport, which is near the resort island of Boracay, while trying to land. The aircraft caught fire and suffered extensive damage to its wing, landing gear, undercarriage and one engines. Several passengers were injured in that accident.

Zest Airways last year ordered five MA60s in 2008 and started operating the 50-60 seat aircraft in late 2008. Just last week, the airline signed an agreement for another six MA60s that will be delivered in October and December this year.